Are we men or machines? In light of recent doping revelations, it seems we’re more fallible and human than ever. So it’s good news to welcome chef Matt White (no, they’re not the same guy) with a healthy, and UCI-approved way to aid your training regimen. This one tastes great too…

– Recipe & Photos by Matt White –

After a long training day, I crave something with substance and flavor to aid my recovery and get me back to feeling like I could climb the Stelvio with the likes of Alberto Contador. This recipe has it all: tons of flavor, sexy visual appeal, an amazing ratio of carbs to protein, and best of all, it’s easy to make and only requires fresh ingredients and basic culinary know-how.

Guys – want to impress your lady? This will make her think she’s fallen for a gourmand/classics specialist and will earn you many trips to the movie theater to watch Expendables 3, 4, and 5….

Ladies – want your man to never look at another podium girl or even feel them kissing his cheeks after he takes a last second sprint victory. Execute this recipe properly and he will completely forget about that one time Madonna made out with Brittney Spears at the VMA’s…..

Getting Started
This meal is a great post workout dinner because it contains everything your body craves after a long day out on the road. It has tons of protein from the tuna and black-eyed peas to help rebuild damaged muscle tissue. It has lots of fresh, raw fruits and vegetables to help restore lost vitamins and minerals. Your glycogen levels will be depleted and will require sugars and carbs and this recipe has it all.

First, if you are up for it and want to make your own blackening seasoning, then you can make a big batch by doing triple the amount and then use it to season lots of other dishes that you may want to add a kick to.

Take all the ingredients of the blackened seasoning and mix thoroughly in a bowl and store in a container. Coat both sides of the ahi tuna by pouring the seasoning onto a plate and pressing both sides of the tuna to. Let the tuna sit out to room temperature.

Make your side dish of black-eyed peas next. Take one T of EVOO and add it to a sautй pan with medium heat, once warm add the chopped garlic and cook until it starts to turn a golden brown. Open the can of peas while the garlic cooks and drain out the excess liquid. Add the tomatoes and stir until they start to soften. Add the peas, the blackened seasoning and a bit of salt while you taste to adjust the seasoning. Put into a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap and store in your microwave to keep it warm while you prepare the salsa and tuna.

Make the salsa by combining all ingredients and adjusting the salt to your specific taste.

Get a sautй pan very hot and add a small amount of EVOO until it just starts to smoke. Add the tuna and “blacken” each side while keeping the inside raw. Let it sit off to the side when done and warm the tortillas either in the microwave or in the sautй pan.

Thinly slice the tuna and place the strips inside the tortillas and cover with the mango salsa. Unwrap your black-eyed peas and you’re all set for a delicious meal. Add a bit of low fat sour cream if you did at least 80 miles out there….

Matthew White: is the chef at Extra Virgin Pizza in Singapore and is a consultant for BumbleRoot Foods, a start up organic company specializing in nutritional powders and energy bars. He is a former Cat. 2 racer from Las Vegas and is currently training for Ironman Australia in May of 2013.
• http://www.extravirginpizza.com/
• http://www.bumblerootfoods.com/